9 Tips For Solo Backpacking
Hitting the trail on your own can be a great way to test your skills, get some much-needed alone time, or get out on the trail when your typical crew is busy. However, hitting the trail alone has its challenges especially for people doing it the first time. Below are 9 tips for solo backpacking that anyone planning to hike on their own should know.
1. Tell a Friend Your Trip Plan
Before you head out on your solo adventure, it’s important to tell a friend or family member the details of your trip. In fact, this is one of the most important tips for solo backpacking to follow. Tell them your route, how long you plan to be gone for, where you parked, and, if you rented a car, what the rental car looks like.
This is a good practice in case something bad were to happen to you. They have more details about your whereabouts so they can have a more effective search plan. Just make sure you stick with your original plan – altering your route or itinerary significantly will leave the information you gave your friend useless.
2. Pack All The Essentials
Backpacking alone means you are responsible for packing everything you might need, so a well-planned packing list (like this one!) is necessary.
Be sure to pack your gear essentials, a well-stocked first aid kit, and anything else you might need on the trail. But don’t go overboard. When you’re the one carrying everything, your backpack weight can get heavy fast. If you need help dropping some ounces, use these tips to help reduce pack weight.
3. Have Protection
When you’re on the trail alone, you’re going to need some form of protection. This is necessary not only to keep you safe from animals like bears, but to keep you safe from people. Though it’s rare to come across a dangerous person on a hike, it’s good to be prepared for the worst.
Bring along a knife or a gun if you feel comfortable doing so. Pepper spray is great for protection against humans, but you’ll need bear spray as well if you’re in bear country. Remember that pepper spray is more intense than bear spray and has a shorter range – they serve different purposes. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the two are interchangeable.
A great source of protection and companionship is a well-trained dog. If your dog is up for the adventure, bring the pup along!
4. Learn First Aid, Navigation, And Forest Survival
Another one of our essential tips for solo backpacking is to become your own survival resource. Studying up on topics such as first aid and navigation can be valuable and potentially lifesaving.
Knowing how to navigate a forest is essential if you’re going out alone. If you get lost, it is entirely up to you to figure out where to go next. Same goes for first aid. When you get hurt, you’re the doctor. If you see a wild animal, you need to know how to behave.
Being proficient in topics like this will keep you feeling confident and will keep you safe in bad situations. There are plenty of classes offered by trained professional that will leave you feeling like a backcountry bad ass. REI offers some great wilderness medicine courses, but there are plenty of other options out there that may be more specific to your needs.
5. Stick to the Simple Trails
There are a ton of awesome and slightly-sketchy trails out there that are a blast for testing your limits and challenging yourself. Trails with difficult terrain that require scrambles, short climbs, or careful foot placement put a thrill in your hike! However, these are better to conquer as a group in case you need a hand or moral support.
When backpacking alone, you should stick to simple trails. Trails that are well-marked and easier to follow are harder to get lost on. These are also more well-travelled. This is great, because you’re more likely to have someone walk by you if you’re in need of help.
6. Listen to Your Gut
Sometimes, you just get bad vibes from something. A person, a campsite, or an area of the woods can just feel off to you. When you’re alone in the woods, it’s important to trust that instinct.
There are times when your gut won’t be correct. There are also times when your gut is right on the money. You’re better off leaving a situation and erring on the side of caution. Even if you set up camp already – if something happens that makes you feel uneasy in that area, get up and move.
7. Keep a Strong Mind
When it comes to solo backpacking, much of the challenge is going to be in your own head. Loneliness, self-doubt, fear, and boredom are all mental hurdles you’ll need to get over in order to enjoy your trip.
Confidence will go a long way in keeping your mind strong. As we mentioned in a previous tip, studying up on important topics will be a tremendous help. When you feel good about your knowledge, you won’t have to deal with as much self-doubt.
Nighttime can be the most difficult when hiking alone. Rustling leaves and snapping twigs can keep you up at night if you let fear get to you. A mouse moving through leaves can sound a lot more intimidating when you get in your head. Try your best to stay calm and distract yourself if you’re feeling scared.
8. Bring Entertainment
On a solo backpacking trip, you’ll be occupied for most of the day. However, at the end of the day when you finish setting up camp, you’ll have plenty of time on your hands before bed. You’ll want something to entertain yourself with.
A good book in the comfort of your hammock or tent is a great way to unwind during the evening. If you’re not into reading, download a few episodes of your favorite podcast, bring a book of crosswords or a journal. Whatever your preferred activity, bring something entertaining along.
9. Make Friends
It may seem like one of the sillier tips for solo backpacking, but it’s a good idea to socialize and make friends on the trail. In fact, it’s a good idea to do this when you’re not alone as well.
When you’re hiking, you’ll come across a lot of people on the trail who share at least one interest with you. Strike up a conversation if they seem open to it. You might make a new friend, learn something new, or just get some much needed social interaction after days on your own.
Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash
